Cape York Peninsula, located in far north Queensland is undoubtedly, every four-wheel-driver's ultimate destination. The peninsula features undisturbed tropical rainforests and savannas, sandy beaches, abundant river systems with crystal clear creeks and spectacular waterfalls. The estuaries and tidal wetlands of
Cape York Peninsula contain some of the most
well developed mangrove habitats in Australia.
Fishing Spots
Weipa and the adjacent Albatross Bay has fantastic shallow water inshore angling for
barramundi, mangrove jacks, flathead, estuary cod, queenfish and trevally. The mighty Wenlock River, north of Wiepa is superb for huge
barramundi, particularly around its mouth near
Cullen Point and up into the tidal stretches. The jetty at
Seisia offers superb fishing as because the structure delves deep into the sandy channel between the mainland and Red Island. The jetty pylons habitat schools of herring which in turn attract big queenfish, trevally, mackerel, barracuda, cod and the odd
barramundi. At the northern tip of the peninsula,
Cape York features many exciting deep drop-offs and reefs where
coral trout and golden snapper are the catch of the day. Pelagic fish such as mackerel are often seen feeding just off the rocks and in the channel between
Cape York and Eborac Island.
Tips
When fishing around
Cape York keep a look out for pelagic fish and any sea birds that may be working above. Most bottom feeding fish on the other hand can be caught on the reefs. Golden snapper,
barramundi, trevally, queenfish and salmon are often caught along the foreshore at high tide. A good idea is to
check the bottom at low tide and look for rough-bottom areas, then go back to the same spot at high tide. Also, you should get better results using live bait.
Cape York Peninsula is saltwater crocodile country, so be very cautious and take heed of the yellow warning signs. Click for more information on
Crocodiles in Queensland.